A new UN report has found that for the first time, there are more children around the world who are obese than underweight. This alarming trend is being driven by the increasing availability and consumption of ultra-processed, junk foods that are high in sugar, fat and calories.
According to the Unicef report, one in 10 children globally is now considered obese, a significant rise from previous decades. This spike in childhood obesity is occurring across both wealthy and developing nations, as cheap, nutrient-poor processed foods become more widespread.
The report cites several factors contributing to this crisis, including aggressive marketing of unhealthy products, limited access to affordable, nutritious foods, and sedentary lifestyles. It warns that obesity in childhood often persists into adulthood, leading to serious long-term health issues like heart disease, diabetes and certain cancers.
Addressing the global childhood obesity epidemic will require a multi-pronged approach, the report argues. This includes stricter regulations on junk food advertising, improving school meal programs, investing in public health education, and making healthy foods more accessible and affordable. Without urgent action, the report predicts the childhood obesity crisis will only continue to worsen in the years ahead.